Communication from Akio Toyoda to Osamu Suzuki, the esteemed Senior Advisor of Suzuki and a venerated automotive pioneer from Japan.
Toyota Motor Corporation Praises Osamu Suzuki's Legacy at China Joint Venture Partnership Announcement
At a recent press conference announcing the formation of the China Joint Venture Partnership (CJP), Toyota Motor Corporation's President, Akio Toyoda, paid tribute to Osamu Suzuki, the former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Toyota highlighted Suzuki's leadership and vision, emphasising his significant contributions to the automotive industry and his role in fostering collaboration between the companies involved.
Toyoda's comments reflected a deep respect for Suzuki's experience and his ability to guide strategic partnerships. Both leaders shared a commitment to innovation and market growth, particularly in expanding their presence in China through the joint venture.
During the press conference, Akio Toyoda praised Suzuki's quick action during the crisis in the United States in 2010. He also commended Suzuki's insistence on the importance of the genba (where the action takes place) and keeping on the move for the future of minivehicles.
In February 2021, Osamu Suzuki compared himself to a "kan-puter", likening himself to a computer that relies on intuition rather than future prediction. He also encouraged people to discover new opportunities on earth with their energy.
Osamu Suzuki is credited with steering management and developing minivehicles into an essential part of daily lives in Japan. In fact, Akio Toyoda considers him the "father" of minivehicles in Japan.
Senior Advisor Osamu Suzuki watched the press conference live, and his influence was evident. Akio Toyoda's response to a reporter's question at the end of the press conference may have contained a message of gratitude directed only at Senior Advisor Osamu Suzuki.
Akio Toyoda and Osamu Suzuki are collaborating on a project aimed at disseminating CASE technologies and services in commercial vehicle businesses. Akio Toyoda hopes to make Osamu Suzuki say "Thank you" for the good things done for the automotive industry and minivehicles.
At his retirement, Osamu Suzuki left an impression on Akio Toyoda with his words, emphasising the importance of work and continuing challenges. Despite his humble self-deprecating title, Akio Toyoda and Osamu Suzuki were close enough for Akio to tease him about it.
In July 2019, Osamu Suzuki emphasised the importance of the genba and keeping on the move on his own. He served as the president or chairman of Suzuki for over 40 years, and may be seen as an "artist" in the automotive industry, contributing to its motorization as a driving force.
- Akio Toyoda's comments during the press conference, where he praised Osamu Suzuki, not only focused on his leadership and vision in the automotive industry, but also acknowledged his significant contributions to the development of minivehicles, considering him the "father" of minivehicles in Japan.
- Akio Toyoda and Osamu Suzuki are currently collaborating on a project aimed at disseminating CASE technologies and services in commercial vehicle businesses. A key goal for Akio Toyoda is to make Osamu Suzuki say "Thank you" for his contributions to the automotive industry and minivehicles.
